Declared 'the end of an era,' the cricket community showers accolades on the legendary batsman Virat Kohli as he bids farewell to Test cricket. At 36, Kohli departs after an illustrious career, having amassed 9,230 runs including 30 centuries over 123 matches with an impressive average of 46.85. Already retired from T20 cricket, Kohli now focuses on One Day Internationals.
In a post, BCCI exclaimed on X, 'An era concludes in Test cricket, yet his legacy will endure. Virat Kohli, Team India's former captain, steps away from Test cricket. His contributions will be eternally cherished.'
The ICC hailed, 'Virat Kohli, one of India's finest Test cricketers, exits the traditional format. Though he will no longer don the white jersey, his crown remains unchallenged. Kohli bids adieu, leaving an unparalleled legacy.'
Kohli’s IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, expressed that they will miss their former captain's presence in the Test format.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated Virat Kohli, saying, 'Heartfelt congratulations on your remarkable Test career. Thank you for maintaining the traditional format's popularity amidst T20 cricket's rise and setting an outstanding example of discipline, fitness, and commitment.'
'We'll miss his stride, his shots, his expressions, and his celebratory style,' another statement conveyed.
'A splendid Test era concludes, yet his legacy stands strong. Thank you, Virat, for your courage, aggression, and unmatched passion. You didn’t just play Test cricket; you enhanced it,' the tribute continued.
Former teammate Ajinkya Rahane stated, 'It has been an extraordinary journey playing alongside you, filled with wonderful memories and partnerships. Congratulations on a magnificent Test career.'
Ex-fast bowler Irfan Pathan remarked, 'Congratulations on an exceptional Test career, Virat Kohli. As captain, you didn't just win matches; you changed mindsets. You elevated fitness, aggression, and the pride of playing Test cricket to new heights.'
Team India coach Gautam Gambhir tweeted about Kohli's retirement, saying, 'A man with the passion of a lion! We'll miss you...'
Kohli’s Test Career Legacy
In his international career, Virat Kohli played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs from 210 innings. His highest score stands at 254. Kohli boasts an average of 46.85 and a strike rate above 55. Throughout his Test career, he secured 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries, and even 7 double centuries. Kohli had the chance to cross the 10,000 run mark in the Test format, along with setting new records for centuries. However, he chose to retire.
Virat Kohli’s International Cricket Journey
123 Tests, 210 innings, 9,230 runs, 46.85 average, 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries
302 ODIs, 290 innings, 14,181 runs, 57.88 average, 51 centuries, 74 half-centuries, 5
125 T20s, 117 innings, 4,188 runs, 48.69 average, 1 century, 38 half-centuries, 4.
